July 16th, 2024

Building a Galaksija

Vlado Vince recreates a Galaksija 8-bit computer, facing challenges with parts and troubleshooting. His journey reflects dedication to retro tech, blending nostalgia and technical expertise in preserving computing history.

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Building a Galaksija

Vlado Vince embarked on a project to build a Galaksija, a 1980s Yugoslav 8-bit computer, inspired by a visit to the PEEK&POKE computer museum. He documented the process on Twitter, following original DIY guides and sourcing parts like EPROMs and a Z80A CPU. Despite challenges with burning EPROMs and identifying components, he persevered, eventually resolving issues with missing jumpers and achieving a display on the screen. Vince's journey involved meticulous soldering, adapting modern components to fit the retro design, and troubleshooting to understand the inner workings of the Galaksija. Through his experience, he gained insights into the technical aspects of the computer and the era of 8-bit microcomputers. His dedication to recreating this piece of tech history showcases a blend of nostalgia, technical skill, and a passion for preserving retro computing culture.

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Link Icon 9 comments
By @shrx - 7 months
My family lived in Yugoslavia near the Italian border within a zone where people were issued special passports allowing them to go across the border to the west. This was not generally possible, so people took advantage of it and bought (or smuggled to avoid trouble with the customs) many goods which were not available inside the country, like jeans, washing machines, vinyl records, ... My uncle brought both the ZX spectrum and the Commodore back with him on one of such trips. And then during that time our student radio station used to play whole computer programs and games live on air, and everybody could record them to a cassette and load them on their computer, for free!
By @ubavic - 7 months
This year marks 40 years of Galaksija, and the magazine PC Press with the author of the Galaksija Voja Antonic released a reprint of the original special issue which introduced Galaksija. Building kit is also available. More information is available on: https://racunari.com/
By @thecupisblue - 7 months
That is insanely cool! I've heard countless war stories from older ex-yu people about Galaksija and the early beginnings of the tech scenes on the territories, even about setting up the first proper internet connections and servers with war blasting around them. It's insane when you remember that was all happening not even 30 years ago.

To those who can, I'd suggest donating to the mentioned museum - I've had the blessing to visit it once and it is such a cultural treasure - they don't just collect old machines, they also inspire generations by teaching them coding, electronics and everything in-between.

By @Gys - 7 months
> … a 1980s Yugoslav 8-bit computer called the Galaksija
By @strgtwhtmle - 7 months
Cool in general, but... what an ugly botched job.

Should have tested on that spare board and THEN built the final rev.

By @dhosek - 7 months
And hear I was thinking I was the only one in these parts using old lit mags as monitor raisers.